Genes play a big part in how the body ages, but there are myriad tools to help us look our best at every stage of life.
With time, scalp hair starts greying at the roots and becomes visibly thinner and finer around the temples.
Although hair products offer a quick-fix solution to these changes, a healthy diet guarantees greater results over time.
Anna Maria Kabelic, a TikToker aged 52, has unearthed many hacks to achieve thicker and glossier hair in her 50s and claims that food with a high nutritional value is key.
Sardines are packed with essential protein and fatty acids
GETTY / INSTAGRAM / ANNAMARIA_KALEBIC
In a recent TikTok clip, the content creator admitted proteins and healthy fats have been pivotal for improving her hair health.
“I aim to at least be having 100 grams of protein a day. [Around] 130 grams would be my optimum, [...] but 100 grams at the least," Annamaria explained.
Dietary protein is essential for growth because it is made primarily of keratin - a special protein that gives hair strength, flexibility and elasticity.
Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are a group of nutrients that have several health benefits including boosting thickness.
Healthline confirms this on their site. They say: “A nutritious diet with the recommended essential nutrients including protein, antioxidants, iron and fatty acids can help support healthy hair growth. Eating a healthy diet with adequate protein is vital to hair growth.”
The health body claims the following 13 foods are best for healthy hair growth:
- Eggs for protein and biotin
- Berries for antioxidants and collagen production
- Spinach for vitamin A, vitamin C iron and folate
- Fatty fish for omega-3 fatty acids and protein
- Sweet potato for beta-carotene
- Avocadoes for healthy fats and vitamin E
- Nuts for vitamin E, vitamin B, zinc and healthy fats
- Seeds for vitamin E, zinc and selenium
- Sweet peppers for vitamin C and A
- Oyster for Zinc
- Beans for protein, Zinc and more
- Soybeans for spermidine
- Meat for protein and iron
In addition to eating proteins and healthy fats, Annamaria uses a collagen-builder supplement daily.
She also rinses her hair in cold and warm water to help maintain its shine.
Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional global ambassador, claims that rinsing hair in cold water is one way to boost the shine of your locks.
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Proteins can help maintain glossy and thick hair over 50
INSTAGRAM / ANNAMARIA_KALEBIC
“When rinsing your hair do so with cool water as this will close the cuticle and leave your hair with a fabulous glass finish!” Andrew told GB News.
Aside from removing dirt and grime building up on locks, hot water can also strip hair of the natural oils on the scalp.
Conversely, lower water temperatures help the hair cuticles to lay flat, encouraging light to reflect off hair strands.
Water around 38°C, which is slightly warmer than the average body temperature, should be hot enough to remove filth while protecting the hair’s internal protein structure.